Ted Turner Q & A

I saw this and thought it was intersting. I thought I'd most some of
these because it answers a lot of questions I've had or seen asked.
SORRY IT"S REALLY LONG :bounce:

answers from TED TURNER

Q) I have a yearling stud colt that will be a performance horse
eventually but I would like to halter him to start and then lungeline
show him in some futurities. He is performance bred- not halter horse
bred but I'd like to be competitive for the first year or 2 in halter.
What feeding/supplement program/exercise program should he be on? I've
never done halter before.

A) He needs to be on straight oats and the best alfalfa hay you can
buy. Feeding schedule of 3x a day and exercise & sweat his neck 6
days a week about 10 minutes. You can feed DAC supplements and
minerals. This will be the best program to start him on.

Q) My mother's old trainer used to tell her to always back her 2yr old
halter mare after being worked. If that is good, for how long do I back
my mare up and how many times during the week.

A) I don't believe in backing my halter horses. I pony all of my show
horses in straight lines, going forward. When they have lots of muscle
and mass, it is very hard on their stifles, hips and hocks to back them
up. Going forward will build muscle without hurting the horse and
causing problems in the hindquarters.

Answers from TERRY SARTAIN:

Q) I have an aged mare that I have been fitting for halter but to me
her neck is thick and comes out low on her chest. Are there any tricks
to getting the neck appearance to look cleaner on a thick necked horse?
I exercise her in a sweat and occasionally and more before show time
have her in overnight sweat.

A) Fit an inner tube, out of a car tire, down over the
neck...then put your sweats on. Cut the valve stem out of the
tube also.

Q) I have a 10 year old mare, who is a multiple halter point
earner. She has had 3 foals, but still would like to continue
showing her. Unfortunately she isn't as tucked up as the younger
mares. Is there any particular exercises that will help get her
tucked up?

A) Flat tracking is the best way to tuck one up! Keep your speed
up just fast enough to long trot but not too fast that they break over
to the lope.

Q) I just bought a halter prospect who has not been fitted for
show. How long would you suggest it takes to fit them for halter?

A) Depending on her weight, it will probably take 90 to 120 days just
to see some progress. The horse has to get right on the inside
before you will really see a transformation.

Answers from Ted Turner:

Q) Is there any certain workout or exercise that will help build up a dipping topline? What do you do for this?

A) I pony all my horses and making a horse lope will "up" their back and top line.

Q) I was wanting to know how you can add muscle and bulk onto the chest and the

fore arm of a horse.

A) There are no tricks to getting a horse ready to show, as I have said
I pony all my horses 6 days a week. Every horse is different, but
the more a horse can take the harder and longer I pony them.

Q) I was wondering how judges view an Amateur showing in an Open Halter
class? Do they frown on it? Just curious if the 'Open'
classes were reserved for professionals even if an Amateur cannot
afford to have their horse in full training.

A) Well, I am not a judge but I can tell you that it does not bother me
at all. My wife is an amateur and she shows her horses in the open
halter classes all of the time. There have been horses that we own that
I never show till we get to the world show.

Answers from Ted Turner:

Q) Is it ok to rinse a horse off everyday after you work them? Or will this wash out all the oil in the hair?

A) Rinsing is not good for your horses hair or feet.


Q) How do you get that smooth as glass hair coat? Is there a supplement
or vitamin? My horses have a good hair coat but it still is not what
I'd like to have it look like.

A) Make sure to use the vacuum more. Also, lots of currying and
brushing at least 2-4 times daily. Be sure to worm every 30-45
days and rotate your wormers.

Q) What do you do when your weanling is not finishing all his feed?

A) Ask your vet first what he/she thinks.... about giving vitamin B-12 shots to help your horses appetite.

Q) I have a five year old stallion that has a total of 60 APHA halter
points. 40 open and 20 amateur. We are starting him back and he gets an
oat/pellet mix and awesome alfalfa. He also gets strongid C everyday.
We have him up to an hour in the neck sweat now and are building that
up, what would you recommend to supplement him with for added muscle
definition? Do you do the acupuncture the morning of or before the
shows for their necks?

A) Supplements I do not feel there are any supplements that can give
you more muscle. Work can give you the definition which it sounds like
you are doing all the rights things. Acupuncture I would ask your vet
first if he or she does this. I would never have it do by anyone who is
not a licensed veterinary. And no I would not do it the morning of
showing.

Q) Do you have any suggestions on what to wear for a halter class? Are there trends or preferences ?

A) I feel a person should just be neat and clean with a starched shirt
and starched jeans. At the Congress or World Show yes, where a nice
blazer or suit, but neat and clean goes a long way.

Q) Hi,

My gelding has a bad habit of wanting to bite or nip at whatever he can
get his mouth on (whether it be me or the lead). How do I get him out
of this habit when I am working with him at standing up? He even will
try and bite after he has had his workout. I pony him 6 days a week for
15min. in one of our pastures. Even when I have him tied to be brushed
on he is always trying to bite. Please help!

A) Well, my best horses all bite on there leads they all look for
treats I believe a great show horse needs a little of that. This is
what gives them that little extra "show" in the pen. While the horse is
tied up hang a stud chain in his mouth and let him chew on it. Don't
tie him with it and it does not have to be tight just give him
something to do and tie his head short enough that he cant bite you
while you are brushing.

New Q & A for ask a pro!! From Luke Castle

Q How do you sweat out a neck? Do you only do it during exercising, or
while they are in their stalls? What kind of neck sweats do you use and
is there anything you put on the neck before you sweat it?

A. Put neck sweats on before and during exercising then leave tied in stall for approximately 3 hours. I use Super Sweats.

Q. We adopted a PMU foal from Canada with quite an "Impressive"
lineage. He is HYPP N/H. I understand that potassium is the critical
factor in feeding. Could someone provide a sample diet including brand
name products to feed to a yearling. He is quite a "looker" and we will
be fitting him for halter classes.

A. I feed oats and alfalfa and Strongid C daily wormer. I supplement with Diacalcium and phosphurus.

Q. Yes, I have a question about my aged AQHA gelding. He has recently
become winded and I want to start showing him again, I was wondering if
you had any ideas about how I should work him. I have been trying to
fit him normally, but it is not working.

A. Start slowly then increase his workouts until you get him where you want.

Q. I know that a nice long lean neck is desirable, but it seems to me
that some people get carried away and horses necks look somewhat out of
proportion because they are too skinny. Can a horses neck be
sweat too much? What is a guideline to how a
neck/throatlatch should look?

A. The neck should be in proportion to the length of the back.

Q. I have been thinking of buying a treadmill to condition my halter
horses in the winter months when the conditions outside are
cold/snowy. Is this a good tool?

A. The tread mill is a great way to exercise in cold weather.

Q. My yearling is buckling over in the knees, is there any supplements or a different way to work them other than lunging?

A. Buckeye makes a good feed and supplement. Also try a good quality grass hay.

Answers from Mike McMillian

Q. What supplements should I think about using to help bulk up my coming two year old mare, she is a late June yearling?

A. We only feed whole oats and Progressive Nutrition balancer ration
along with a high quality alfalfa hay. We feel that if your horse is
healthy and parasite free she will naturally reach her maximum
potential.

Q. What is the best way to exercise to see the greatest results in bulk and definition?

A. Working a horse in a relatively straight line at a long trot should
give the desired results if done in moderation, don’t overdo your
exercise program if you are trying to bulk her up. We pony our horses
with another horse or behind a 4 wheeler.

Q. When presenting, do you think that an exhibitor should stay close to
one area near the front and to the side, or move with the motion of a
showmanship exhibitor? Sometimes I feel like I am blocking the judges
view.

A. You should stay in a position so you can see your horse and the
judge at all times without blocking his view of your horse, and no you
don’t need to move in quarters as in showmanship.

Mike McMillian has been showing Quarter Horses for about 40 years,
judging them for 22 years, and has been around them all of his life.
Graduating for Oklahoma State University with a bachelor's degree in
Animal Science has helped Mike with his career in the horse business.
At McMillian Quarter Horses, Inc. in Gainesville, Texas, they
concentrated on halter horses and show local, state, and national
levels. Having won several World Championships, Congress Champions, and
numerous other titles along with many of our youths and amateurs
winning these titles in their divisions, McMillian Quarter Horses, Inc.
is at the top of their league. McMillian Quarter Horses, Inc. also buys
and sells horses all over the United States and around the world.

Answers from J.T. Mitchell:

Q. When starting to fit a halter horse, how much feed do you give and
what kind of feed and supplements do you give? My horse is a 6 year old
gelding)

A. It is very important to consider the condition of the horse when it
comes into the barn (poor/avg/obese). The horse that comes in with
average weight is started with a base feeding. We feed steamed, rolled
oats, and a pelleted top dress, Equissential, produced by Nutrition
Services, which is formulated much like Buckeye products. Your gelding
would get 3-4 lbs of oats and 1.5 lbs of Equissential combined with a
DAC vitamin/mineral supplement called Orange Superior for 7-10
days/twice per day. As long as he cleans this up COMPLETELY within
twenty minutes, he would get an additional pound of oats per feeding
for a week, until he levels out at what he can consume in twenty
minutes. For a 6 y.o. gelding this usually ends up being about 9-10 lbs
of oats/1.5 lbs of pellets/and vitamins---twice daily. Don't forget the
alfalfa hay. Start with small portions of a flake, until his system
adjusts to a full flake 2-3 times per day.

Q. When fitting a aged horse for halter: What kind of routine do you do? Do you work them in sand?

A. When an aged horse arrives in the barn, we start them out with
lighter exercise (especially if they come in out of shape). The daily
routine is introduced...Feed, Groom, Neck Sweats, Tied on the wall
until it is time to work. It is the SAME six days/week. Routine is very
important with horses of all ages. It teaches patience, structure, and

respect. The new horses get worked until we see an increase in heart
rate. This is gradually increased until they are up to 10-15 minutes
(depending on the horse). We pony off of a golf cart in straight lines
on a dirt/sandy loam track. If the weather doesn't permit, we work them
in a covered round pen that contains sandy loam, which is an

Oklahoma dirt/sand mixture. We RARELY back any of our horses.

Q. I am working a wonderful yearling colt for halter. He does
everything I ask when I ask with no problems. Except backing. He will
not step back when you push or pull. I have tried everything I know and
something's from the old timers. Help!

A. Every horse MUST start out learning to be flexible at the head, neck
and shoulder. We teach ours to move forward and backward with the
movement of our body (back and forth), and clucking, at first...then
eventually they learn when the shank is lifted or moved slightly
forward/backward a movement is required of them IMMEDIATELY. Be

consistent, sometimes it takes longer on some horses than others. It is
a daily routine. Don't force or fight, Be methodical. This routine
moves right into leading, backing, and teaching to set up off the shank
(or lead). Occasionally, we get a few in that require extra
encouragement. We have some headgear of choice, but ask around to some
veteran horseman in your area. Most will probably come to the
same conclusion.

A Little About J.T. Mitchell:

J.T. Mitchell was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana. He started
showing/fitting show cattle in junior high school and continued until
he was a senior. After high school, he attended Indiana University and
graduated with a degree in Education and Business. During college, he
purchased a dry cleaners, which he owned and operated for 13 years.
During this time he struck up a passion for horses, and showed in the
Amateur division. He sold the cleaners in the early 90's and began
training halter horses for a living. Since then, with advice from close
friends, he has worked and achieved his way to building a new facility
in Owasso, Oklahoma, with his new wife Katie. In the last four years he
has earned over 30 World and Reserve Championships in APHA, PtHA, PHBA,
IBHA, ABRA...and numerous Futurity Champions. He is also a carded APHA,
PHBA, and PtHA Judge. J.T. strives to be the best at what he does, and
lives by the ranch motto "Great horses are not only bred...they're
MADE!!"

Answers from Jason Smith:

Q. How many neck sweats should you put on a horse?

A. Put on lots of neck sweats, work them with a sheet and then put 2 or 3 wool coolers in the stall for a couple of hours.

Q. My horse has haired up, what do I do?

A. Lights are the most important. i.e. 6 a.m. to 10p.m. Sheets and blankets but make sure they don't sweat.

Q. How long do you work your horses to get them ready for the show?

A. Depending on the horse and show you have in mind, 15 - 20 minutes 6 days a week.

PART 2

Answers from Ted Turner:





Q. Why don't you back your horses? And why do you only work in a straight line?



A. Backing your horse is very hard on their stifles and hocks, I

strongly do not recommend it. Working your horse in straight lines is

much better on the joints and tendons.



Q. Is it ok to vacuum a horse everyday?



A. Yes, my horses are vacuumed 3-4 times daily. It helps keep them clean and easy on their hair coats.



Q. I got three yearling halter horses and was wondering how much oats I

should be feeding them? Right now they get about 5lbs. twice a day.

Also how much quality hay should they be getting? Is there anything I

should be adding to there feed to help build muscle mass besides dac

orange and dac oil? And the one has a slight over-bite is it even worth

fitting that horse or am I wasting my time?



A. Every individual is different and must be looked at separately.

Depending upon the horse and its structure, they need the best alfalfa

you can get. I feed straight oats, alfalfa and Alfa Gro N Win by

Buckeye Feed. The horse with the overbite, if it is a gelding, it does

not matter. Also, if its young, speak with your equine dentist, braces

are an option.



Q. What else besides lunging, can you do to get halter weanlings in shape?



A. Pony behind a four wheeler golf cart, etc., pony off of a horse or hand walk and jog.



Q. When starting to fit a halter horse, how much fee to you give and

what kind of feed and supplements do you give? (my horse is a 6 yr old

gelding)



A. I feed Alfalfa streamed whole oats alpha grow and win and dac orange and dac oil.



Q. What is the best way to get rid of a stallion crest?



A. Put at least four sweats on the neck then put a heavy winter hood on

top. If needed get a rolling pin and roll the neck (crest area) 15

mins. before you put the sweats on.



Q. What kind of lighting program should a halter horse be on? How long to leave on, what size bulbs to use and so fourth.



A. I use a 300 watt bulb (clear). Lights are on at 6:00a.m. and off at 11:00p.m. every day.



Q. I have a question for the pro-----How do I get my mare to put her ears up in a halter class?



A. Don't worry about working on that a lot (the ears) it will keep your

horse fresher. Trying to work on the ears at home, allows the horse to

become bored with it. They need something to look at that is new to

them in the show pen. Maybe find a treat that your horse likes use it

in the arena for ears.



Q. When starting to fit a halter horse, how much feed do you give and

what kind of feed and supplements do you give? (My horse is a 6 yr old

gelding)



A. Alfalfa Hay Steamed rolled oats. That is where you start I feed Dac

supplements orange bloom and dac oil if you look on my web site you can

get the phone number and call Dac and talk with the people they are

great people to work with and will inform you about their products.



Q. When fitting a aged horse for halter, what kind of routine do you do? Do you work them in sand?



A. I pony all my horses either off a horse or 4-wheeler or if a horse

can't take that (such as some babies) I hand jog them on the grass. I

pony on a dirt track. I do not back my horses at all. I work in

straight lines at all times. All ages do this same routine 6 days a

week.



World Champion - Ted Turner



A Little About Ted Turner:



Born in 1946 in Ardmore, Oklahoma, TED TURNER graduated from

Classen Sr. High School in Oklahoma City and went on to Central State

College. Ted realized early in life that his heartfelt desire was to

train and show world-class horses throughout the United States. This

dream has been fulfilled as he has become one of the industry's top

horsemen. His career began in Yukon, OK where he rented stalls and

operated his first training facility. The next stop was Durant, OK for

3 years and then on to Elbert, CO. Tioga Ranch, his first breeding and

training operation, was opened in 1989 in Tioga, Texas and later sold

to Tim and Colleen McQuay. His final move was to Aubrey, TX with his

wife Darlene. And, as they say in Hollywood "the rest is history."



Answers from Terry Sartain



Q. What kind of lighting program should a halter horse be on? How long to leave on, what size bulbs to use and so fourth.



A. 16 hrs a day. Minimum of 150-200 watt bulb.



Q. How do you teach a horse, or "convince" a horse, to "give its head"

once you've got him squared up and ready to present to a judge, to

really get that extension in the neck and bright-eyed, ears up look?



A. I use the foretop of a horse to do this. I simply run my hand

through the foretop- pulling it down and pulling the hair

together. It tells the horse that I am done with the setup, to

stand still, and to give his ears.



Terry Sartain & 2003 APHA World Champion Kiss This Kid



Q. When teaching a young horse to set up do you do fronts or backs first?



A. BACK FEET FIRST



Q. How long each day do you spend teach a young horse to set up?



A. APPROX 10-15 MINUTES EVERY DAY



Q. Do you make a young horse stand for awhile once set up? About how long?



A. ABOUT 5 MINUTES TO START WITH AND GRADUALLY INCREASE UP TO 10 MINUTES.

thank you for a very informative post!!!

There was alot of good stuff in there!! I just have one question I'm sure one of you can answer. I've never really understood what people mean when they talk about being "tucked up."

Tucked up means they don't have a "hay belly". They're more athletic looking.

You know, I have to apologize, I've known about that Halter Horse Central deal with the Q & A for a long time, and I should've put it on here.

The tire tube thing got me when I read that .... that one cracks me up. Bad enough they're telling us to take a rolling pin to crests... HA!

Okay, thanks, that's kind of what I was thinking about tucked up, but I didn't know if there was more too it.
I thought the tire tube thing was lind of strange too! Somehow, I'm not picturing quite how he means for you to get the tire tube around the horse"s neck! Maybe he's just messing with our minds LOL!!!

I guess he just puts it over their head. I kind of get a funny thought in my mind seeing me trying to do that to Kid, he'd try to eat the danged thing.

I like this site. I quoted from it before. He is a Fact of the Matter Person, I know its high, but I wouldn't mind watching his DVD. I rather rent it!

GREAT INFORMATION.. I think I learned a thing or two.. thanks

I know it was a big read, but it also answered tons of my questions!

Cindy, if you think that's informative, you ought to get Denny Hassett's book... even to this day, if I get where I can't quite figure something out, I'll go back and reread certain things.

has anyone got his dvd,is it any good.Ive got Denny Hassetts book

I've got his first DVD, and I wasn't too impressed. Now, he's got another one out that's supposed to have a lot more to it... I'm thinking of getting that one, too.

One thing is for sure they all agree some what.. And, there is a lot they do not mention. QH journal did a two or three page story on Jack Brezidine and he sure left a bunch of stuff out.. I have been in many show barns with him. He will also take a horse beyond what they can handle. I got a kick out of reading that.. I say this because I have seen first had some of his tricks.

I have also been to the world and watched them give those horses IV fluids to puff them up and fill them out the night before the show.. They add antibiotics to the fluids too.. I think this is most likely a good thing for the horse since they are where they are and all the travel and stress..

Ted Turner really can show a horse though.. I watched him a few times and have shown against him. I think besides the fact he has nice horses to show he really knows how to show them..